Do I Need a Passport to Fly Domestically in the U. S. from 2022?

Do I Need a Passport to Fly Domestically in the U.S. from 2022?

The United States of America is a large country with plenty of fascinating places to visit. If you wish to see all that’s worth seeing, travel to every noteworthy location, and meet people of all backgrounds, you will need to travel a lot, and the quickest route will be by air. If a plane’s your pick then you need to ask yourself, do I need a passport to fly domestically in the U.S. in 2022? Luckily the question is pretty straightforward, and in this blog post, we will try to sate your curiosity and talk about everything you need to know about interstate travel in the near future.

Table of Contents

Traveling in the U.S. without a passport

According to the Department of Homeland Security, a United States citizen will not need it for domestic travel in 2022. You can rest easy, then, because under no circumstances will you need a passport to fly domestically in 2022. It is an acceptable ID but passports will be mainly useful when you’re attempting international travel. Bear in mind, however, you still will be required to carry other forms of identification for interstate flights. According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), all passengers above the age of 18 (eighteen) will have to present valid documentation during the check-up. If you were worrying about what kind you should take, you can relax, as down below you’ll find a number of various acceptable forms you can choose from. Information contained within these IDs will be satisfactory.

• driver’s license (including the enhanced version)
• U.S. passport card
• DHS-issued Trusted Travel Card
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• border crossing card
• permanent resident card
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• tribal-issued photo ID
• military ID

If you happen to forget or lose your ID, you will be alright still. Staff at the airport security checkpoint will ask you, however, to undergo an additional identity verification process, which will take longer than the conventional check-up. Some personal information will be required, like a social security number, for example. After the screening is completed, you’re free to board a plane and enjoy your flight.

So, please remember that the bottom line is this: If someone asks if you need a passport to go to U.S. territories from within the country, you say, no.

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• Is It Necessary to Have a Passport While Visiting Canada?
• Do U.S. Citizens Need a Valid Passport for Jamaica?
• Do You Need a Passport On a Cruise? – All You Need to Know

When do you need a passport to fly in the U.S.?

Under the current REAL ID act, you do not need a passport to fly in the U.S. by plane, unlike international air travel. In 2022 you will be able to fly interstate without a passport, as current REAL ID requirements remain unchanged, but bear in mind that the year 2023 will bring changes. Beginning on May 3, 2023, a congress passed determined that minimum security standards will change and flying within the United States will require all state-issued IDs, like a driver’s license, to be REAL ID-compliant cards. In that case, a passport will be the default acceptable form of identification if you find yourself without passport cards or other travel documents. Please be advised that since that date you will need a REAL ID-compliant document.

Infants & children on domestic flights in the U.S. – requirements

The law dictates that children or infants will not need a passport to fly within the U.S.. All passengers above the age of 18 (eighteen) need to be identified, but younger individuals can board the planes with little to no identification, provided their adult companion has appropriate ID cards. Driver’s licenses from the state driver’s license agency will do the trick. If you’re wondering if you should still grab something for your children just in case, you’ve got a good idea there. Some airlines might ask for proof of the minor’s age. Grab a copy of their birth certificate, and now you can’t be better prepared.

Do green card holders require passports on domestic flights?

You’re in luck because a passport won’t be required to travel between the states in that situation. Green card holders are in a comfortable position since the security standards dictate that permanent resident card and employment authorization are both forms of identification cards that are considered fully adequate. You will be accepted and free to board flights between the states.

Which states require you to carry a passport to fly in the U.S.?

As of today, none. Since February 2021, there aren’t any states with such requirements, so U.S. nationals do not have to carry valid passports to fly domestically. All 50 (fifty) are open to you, and all that’s needed is a state-issued ID or a regular driver’s license.

You may find that surprising, but it is true. As of today, even such states like Kentucky, Missouri or Minnesota do not require a passenger to carry a passport to fly anymore. Just pick your destination and you’re free to go.

Additionally, please remember to ensure all your IDs are REAL ID-compliant before March 2023, as it will become an important requirement when the new REAL ID act is updated. Then, your travel documents will need to be Real ID-compliant cards.

Also bear in mind that the rule does not apply to foreign travelers. If you hail from another country, you still will require a passport to travel.

You might also be interested in:

Can you fly in the U.S. without a passport or any other ID?

Yes, you can still fly domestically in 2022 without your passport, state driver’s license or other travel documents, all is not lost. ID requirements are rather lenient for American citizens. If something happens and you lose it or you happen to have left it at home, you can still board a flight, so rest easy. What you need to do is talk to security and they, in turn, will ask you to go through some extra steps of identity verification. The process will take a bit longer than standard procedure, but once it is done, and the officials have given you a thumbs-up, you’re allowed to board a plane.

Traveling in the U.S. with an expired passport

You can still travel within the United States in 2022 with a passport that has expired and the federal government, as well as local governments, are of one mind about the rule. According to homeland security, up to this day, it remains unessential when boarding domestic flights. Still, if the expiration date has passed or will happen sooner than in 6 (six) months, it is highly advisable that you find the time to apply for a renewal and obtain the new document. You can do it at a local passport office, provided you’ve got a new passport photo and a proper form completed.

Bear in mind, though, that still you need no passport to travel in the U.S. by plane.

Flying domestically in the U.S. in 2022 – You’re fine

Now that you’ve read our post, you should be ready to grab every piece of documentation needed and embark and fly in the United States next year. As luck would have it, you need no passport for U.S. territories if you’re flying from within the country. A passport card or a driver’s license will do at the airport security checkpoint. Take to the skies, and, armed with whatever identification needed, go ahead and explore this fine and vast country. Enjoy the flight!

Why do I need a passport to travel in the U.S.?

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoints will require all foreign nationals to show a valid passport when traveling domestically. U.S. citizens will also need a passport in an instance when they find themselves without any other document eligible for identification. There is no shortage of other acceptable forms of identification, such as a border crossing card or a tribal-issued photo ID or a military ID.

Will I need a passport to fly in the U.S. if I’m under 18?

The federal government states that American citizens who are under 18 (eighteen) years old do not need a passport to fly in the U.S. They can, however, be asked to provide proof of their age, and thus carrying a copy of the birth certificate is highly advisable. Foreign minors, however, will have to travel with their valid passports at hand.

Can I fly with an expired ID in 2022?

Yes, you can still use an expired ID at the checkpoint, it will be accepted. The security will allow you to proceed with domestic travel, so buckle up. If your driver’s license or state-issued ID that expired on May 1, 2020, or is about to expire, it will still be honored. Due to the pandemic, TSA will accept such documentation as valid for an additional year or 60 (sixty) days after the emergency is over.

Do babies need to have a passport to fly domestically?

No, they will not be required to possess a passport on domestic flights, just like any other U.S. citizen under the age of 18 (eighteen). Remember to grab a birth certificate, though, as it might be useful.

ldren require a passport to fly in the U.S.?

As law states, every passenger below the age of 18 (eighteen) is not required to carry valid identification to gain access. You can be, however, asked to confirm a child’s age. A birth certificate should have you covered, so pack it for the sake of your kids.

When will you need a passport to fly within the U.S.?

Possibly, you will have to start carrying a passport beginning on 3rd May 2023. Since that date, every traveler will be expected to show a Real-ID-compliant document, and a passport will do. State-issued driver’s licenses will also work as Real IDs at the airport checkpoint.

How many blank passport pages do you need to travel to each country

Every country has different regulations on how many blank passport pages you need to travel. Either one, two, three, or more, here is a guide for each country in the world.

After traveling over 105 countries with a Colombian passport, I mastered the art of managing passport pages and visas. I come from a country where, most of the time, I need to apply for a visa beforehand. Furthermore, if I want to travel to multiple countries on one trip, I have to keep a lot in mind. I must calculate how many empty pages I will have left by the end of the journey, how many visas I need to apply for beforehand, and how many blank pages are mandatory before arrival.

Today, I’m trying to keep my 5th passport for as long as possible, and I want to fill all of its 32 pages before applying for a new one. In this article, I will tell you the number of blank passport pages required by each country and a couple of tricks and tips I learned through the years.

In July I will have to apply for my 6th Colombian passport in the past 15 years. My current passport is at the Mali Embassy in Berlin

Blank passport pages required by each country before arrival

Africa

INSIDER INFO:
Namibia is the country where you need the most amount of the pages to travel to. The Namibian stamp occupies almost an entire page, and if you need an extension permit in Namibia, they will stamp an additional page. I visited Namibia and extended once my visa. I ended up giving 3 total pages on this trip.

Americas

North America

NOTE: The United States does not stamp your passport when exiting the country. However, each time you transit in U.S. territory, you need to have all the necessary paperwork as if you were to enter the country – this means visas and ESTA are mandatory for transfers in the USA.

Central America & Caribbean

South America

Travelers holding a passport from the “Comunidad Andina” do not need to stamp their passports unless they want it. Additionally, these travelers can also just cross between South American countries by land or air with just an official I.D.

INSIDER INFO:
If you enter the territory of Palestine from Israel, your passport will not be stamped – and the blank passport pages rule won’t count. Also, for travelers entering Israel, and the territories of Hong Kong or Macau, the stamp will be printed in a paper, which you will have to keep until the end of your stay.

Europe

Non-EU countries

European Union

This regulation of blank pages only applies to the first country you enter in the European Union. If you travel between several countries of the European Union, your passport will not be stamped (and in most cases won’t be controlled) – except for Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia.

Additionally, you won’t have to pass any border control if you travel overland in other territories like Liechtenstein, Vatican City, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, or Andorra.

This is called the Schengen Area, and once you enter the European Union, you can have free movement over these Schengen States. – See the full list here.

Oceania

FUN FACT:
The passport stamp of the country of Palau is a full-page pledge, in which you sign that you will protect the nature of the country and not cause any harm.

Palau passport stamp, also known as the Palau pledge

How to save blank passport pages during long trips

As a basic rule, most embassies and travel experts recommend adding the requirements for each country together if you are planning to visit multiple countries during the same trip. However, I find this rule a bit over-cautious; then, each page can be stamped six times in most cases.

And yes, there are border agents who love to stamp a new page every time they see one. However, if you can keep better control, where border agents can stamp your passport, you can visit many countries only using a few pages.

If I’m traveling with a new passport and want to keep as many pages as possible, I always ask the border officers to please stamp the first page. They might not do it, as many officers consider the first page some kind of taboo. Still, they will keep that in mind and try to stamp you on the first pages of your passport.

Between EU countries, you will usually just see one small sign that separates one country from the other.

Also, if you are running out of pages, and you need to have as many blank pages as possible, simply put a sticky note on your blank passport pages, asking to not stamp there. I’ve done it dozens of times traveling around, and this trick has saved me multiple times. In most cases, border patrol officers find it funny, and they will greet me with a smile and good wishes.

This trick always makes the officers laugh and helps me keep as many blank pages as possible

Finally, make the most of the countries that do not stamp passports. Smaller territories like San Marino, Liechtenstein, or Andorra offer “official” tourist stamps when traveling. And while these stamps will not cause you any problem, when traveling to a new country, they might be a bit annoying if you lack out of pages and need to get a new passport because of that San Marino stamp you didn’t need.

Additionally, souvenir stamps are mostly a No-Go. Some countries consider souvenirs stamps an alteration of the passport, and they might deny you entry into the country.

I met once a traveler who got the souvenir passport stamps of West and East Berlin, and later he couldn’t enter Russia because of them. I’ve also heard similar stories with the stamps of Machu Pichu and the Galapagos Islands.

If you really want to have some of these souvenir stamps, do it with expired passports or old passports with free pages.

What about visas?

Regarding visas, regulations might also change from country to country. As a basic rule, if you need a visa to a particular country, just add one blank passport page to the amount you need before arrival. However, to make sure the information is 100% true, call that country’s embassy and confirm it.

For the application of e-visas, an additional page won’t be necessary. Also, if you are applying for a visa using a third-party service, they are very happy to help you with the application and inform you about the visa, and blank page regulations you might face.

INSIDER INFO:
For complicated visas or express processes, I use iVisa. This company can take care of all your visa applications for a fee. This might increase the cost of your trip in general, but if you live in a remote area, your country does not have this embassy, or you simply do not have the time to deal with the visa process, this companies is a lifesaver.

Click HERE and check them out.

While some visas might take just 1-2 application days, other might last weeks

How do I find cheap flights?

Finding a cheap flight anywhere around the world is not always easy. It’s about comparing platforms, selecting the right routes and booking at the right time. Fortunately, platforms like Skyscanner became known as an all-in-one tool for booking flights at the lowest cost possible.

They analyse every potential company and sub-contractor in order to find the lowest price available for you. Not only that, but you can also select the option “Travel Anywhere” and let Skyscanner find the cheapest place to travel at any selected date.

I check all my flights first at Skyscanner, and in 90% of the cases, I find the best option for me to book.

Also, by booking here using Skyscanner, you will support my blog and help me create more amazing and useful content.

Your Definitive Guide to South America Visas: What Do You Need For Your Trip?

Perhaps the most daunting thing about travelling (except for finding good travel insurance), is understanding the entry requirements of each country. Visas can be tricky, with some nationalities requiring them in advance and others being able to get them at the border.

Visa requirements are prone to change which means what is true one minute may not be so the next. As such, it is always important to research what visas you need and make sure that you double-check this information a few days before you travel (just in case).

We here at South America Backpacker know how confusing this can all be and in an attempt to make it easier for you, we’ve compiled this South America visa guide!

Disclaimer: All of the above information is the result of hours of research and internet trawling for the most up to date information out there. Please bear in mind that whilst we always try to keep our articles up to date, this is a mammoth task for a small team like ours! If you do find anything that needs updating, please let us know so that we can continue to provide the most current and useful information.

However, please bear in mind that visa requirements are subject to change often. Always do your own research and contact the relevant embassy if you have any queries about the visa requirements. After all, there is nothing worse than arriving at a border only to be sent straight home again!

Visa Guide to South American Countries A-Z

Visa information for Argentina:

If you are travelling as a tourist and do not require a visa, you will usually be granted a 90 day stay on a multiple entry basis. This allows you to enter the country numerous times within the period granted. 90 days is the maximum that can be given.

The nationalities that don’t require a visa to enter Argentina include all South American countries, USA, UAE, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most western European countries.

For those of you who do require a visa to enter the country, these will be charged at $50USD each.

Contrary to what you may read online, as of August 2018, Australians, Americans and Canadians no longer need to pay a reciprocity fee.

Passports must be valid for the entirety of the stay granted in Argentina. For example, if you plan to stay for 30 days, the passport must have at least 30 days of validity left.

Onward travel required: Those flying to Argentina are legally required to have proof of onward travel.

Staying longer in Argentina?

Renewal of your visa: An extension to your visa can be given at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (Buenos Aires Immigration Office) however, you can only extend once for the current trip that you are on. Needless to say, you should go to extend your visa before it runs out.

The visa extension given will never be more than the length of the original stay granted. For example, if you enter Argentina and are granted a 90-day stay, the maximum you could extend for is another 90 days. For nationals not from Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, the cost to extend your visa is around $15USD.

Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: If you are from a nation that doesn’t require a visa, it is possible to travel to one of Argentina’s neighbouring countries and then re-enter to get a new entry pass into the country.

Limits on the number of border runs/visa extensions: According to the Consulate website, the number of times that a traveller can re-enter the country in this way cannot be determined in advance. It is solely based on whether the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones are satisfied that you are not hiding your immigration purpose.

Overstay penalties: The fee for overstaying your visa is AR$600 (around $15USD) which must be paid at the airport upon your departure. Police can demand identification at any point which could cause lots of problems if your visa is no longer valid!

Visa information for Bolivia:

Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most countries in South America and western Europe (including the UK) do not need a visa to enter Bolivia.

If you do not require a visa to enter Bolivia, you will be given a free 30-day entry stamp on arrival.

Visas are required for citizens of the UAE, China, Russia and the USA. There is no cost for the first three countries however, travellers from the USA will be required to pay $160USD for 90 days entry (valid for 10 years). Be aware that damaged or torn bills will not be accepted.

Although it is theoretically possible to get a visa on arrival, some airlines are reluctant to fly passengers who do not already have a visa if required. Therefore, we recommend getting them in advance.

To obtain a Bolivian tourist visa, you must:

• Fill in an application form
• Provide proof of flights or travel itinerary
• Provide a hotel reservation or invitation letter
• Hold a certificate of yellow fever vaccine
• Provide 2 passport photos
• Hold a passport with at least 6 months validity
• Show proof of funds if necessary
• Citizens from the USA also require a police certificate
• Cash for fee (if required)

If you are visiting Bolivia, you are required to have at least 6 months validity on your passport after your length of intended stay in the country. You should also ensure that you have at least one empty page in your passport for stamps before you travel.

Entry vaccinations required: Visitors to Bolivia could be refused entry if they do not hold a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. This applies if you are flying from a country with risk of the disease.

Onward travel required: You could be asked to show proof of this at borders.

Staying longer in Bolivia?

Renewal of your visa: Renewing your tourist visa in Bolivia is thankfully, very simple. Simply head to the Immigration Office in a major city. You can renew for another 60 days, free of charge.

However, you will need to do this on two separate occasions, a maximum of three days before your current visa expires. Visa extensions are only granted for 30 days at a time and can only be extended to 90 days in total (per year). You will need your passport and immigration card plus photocopies of these and your Bolivian entry stamp.

Overstay penalties: You will be charged a set fee per day (20 bolivianos at time of writing) if you overstay your Bolivian visa. Bear in mind that travellers who overstay longer than a couple of weeks may attract the attention of immigration and could be banned from re-entering. It is also possible that Bolivian border officials may ask for a bribe if you have overstayed.

Bus company Bolivia Hop has lots of good and easy to understand information on its website regarding visa requirements and details.

Visa information for Brazil:

Nationals of all EU and South American countries, as well as New Zealand, are allowed to enter Brazil for up to 90 days, visa -free.

Citizens from USA*, Australia*, Canada* and China all require visas.

• The following countries can apply for an electronic visa before their visit.

For more information on whether your country needs a visa for Brazil, check out the UK consulate website.

Visa fees are generally based on reciprocity which means that costs are determined by what a Brazilian National would have to pay to enter the other country. At the time of writing, the fees are as follows:

These fees can be paid by debit card or postal order. You cannot pay for a visa on arrival at the airport.

To obtain a Brazilian tourist visa, you must:

• Book an appointment with the Consulate

• Complete the visa application form online

You must provide the following original documents when required:

• Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
• One passport photo
• Copy of your return travel and itinerary (can be an e-ticket or a booking reservation from a travel agent)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip. You must provide one of the following:
  • Bank statements and three months transactions
  • International credit card statements and three months transactions
  • Your most recent three payslips

  The visitor visa (VIVIS) will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in the country. This is counted from the date you enter the country and allows for multiple entries.

  Visitors to Brazil must have at least 6 months on their passport, starting from their date of entry.

  Onward travel required: This is mandatory for travellers visiting Brazil, as is being able to show proof of sufficient funds for your trip. Bank statements can be used to show this. Generally, the accepted budget is $150USD per person each day of your trip.

  Staying longer in Brazil?

  Renewal of your visa: You can extend your Brazilian visa for up to the same period which was originally granted to you when you entered the country. You must request a visa extension whilst your current visa is still in date with the Federal Police.

  Please note: Schengen Area member state passport holders, (except Liechtenstein, Iceland, Poland, Norway and Portugal) are only permitted to remain in Brazil for 90 days every 180 days. This means these citizens are not eligible for a visa extension.

  Overstay penalties: The penalty for overstaying your Brazilian visa is a fine of 8 reais (around $2USD) a day. It is possible to pay this fine when you leave Brazil or when you return. You will not be allowed to re-enter the country until you have paid this fine.

  If authorities catch you with an out of date visa, you will be given 7 days in which to leave the country, as well as receiving the standard overstay penalties and a six-month ban.

  It is worth bearing in mind that overstay is one of the most common reasons to refuse a Brazilian e-visa in the future.

  Visa information for Chile:

  A visa is not required for citizens of the following countries, the UK and most other EU countries*, USA, Australia*, Canada, New Zealand and South American countries.

  Upon entry, you will be granted 90 days entry into the country. You will also be given a ‘Tarjeta de Turismo’ (Tourist Card) which you must keep safe and present to immigration when you want to leave the country.

  *Travellers from Greece are only permitted 60-day entry on arrival.

  * Australians are required to pay a $117USD reciprocity fee.

  Visas are required for Chinese and Indian citizens. Once approved, they will be granted 90 days entry.

  The following documents are required for a tourist visa application:

  • Valid passport
  • Criminal background check issued by police
  • Health certificates pertaining to infectious/contagious diseases
  • A clear description of your financial situation (e.g. payslips or bank statements)
  • Contact person in Chile (name and address)
  • 3 passport photos
  • Application letter to Consul detailing visit motivation and length of stay
  • Applicant telephone number and proposed dates of travel

  Travellers entering Chile are only required to have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.

  Onward travel required: You may be asked for proof of onward travel.

  Staying longer in Chile?

  Renewal of your visa: It is possible to renew your tourist card for an additional 90 days at the Departamento de Extranjería. To do this you will require copies of your passport and tourist card. The cost is around $100USD.

  Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: It is possible to travel to a neighbouring country and then re-enter to get a new entry pass into Chile.

  Overstay penalties: Fines are issued to travellers who overstay their visas.

  Visa information for Colombia:

  You do not need a visa to enter Colombia if you are from most South American countries, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada* and most western EU countries including the UK.

  *Entrance fees for Canadians were abolished on May 1st, 2019.

  Upon arrival, you will be given a 90-day multiple entries stay in the country.

  Citizens from China and India require a visa. To check whether you need a visa, head to the consulate website.

  The easiest way to obtain a Colombian visa is online. Complete your application online here.

  In terms of cost for a Colombian visa, these are the current fees:

  Colombia & Rest of World	Europe & Cuba
  First payment	$52USD	€40EUR
  Second payment (if visa is granted)	$82USD	€63EUR

  To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

  Onward travel required: This is a requirement although it is rarely enforced. The same is the case with showing adequate funds for your trip. A recent bank statement showing upwards of $1200USD is generally sufficient.

  Staying longer in Colombia?

  Renewal of your visa: It is possible to extend your stay in Colombia by an extra 120 days. The maximum you can stay in Colombia is 180 days in a calendar year. Previously, it was a requirement to go to Migracion Colombia office to extend your visa. However, this can now be done online here.

  It is advised that you renew your visa no later than 5 days before your current one expires. All of the supporting documents can be uploaded in PDF format at the end of the form. You will need the following:

  • Copy of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details)
  • Copy of your Colombia tourist entry stamp
  • Proof of onward travel

  The cost to renew your visa is 99,000 pesos ($144USD) unless you are from a Schengen country in Europe, in which case it is free.

  If you prefer not to use the online service, you can still go to your local Migracion Colombia office. These are located in most major Colombian cities. Be aware that some offices may require you to arrange an appointment in advance.

  Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: You can leave the country and then return with a new 90-day entry stamp.

  Overstay penalties: If you overstay your Colombian visa, you will be required to pay a fine. To avoid any delays when you fly, it is worth paying this fine a few days in advance (after you have booked your flight) at the Migracion office. The starting point for fines is around 380,000 pesos (around $118USD), although this changes depending on how long you have overstayed.

  If you overstay by less than 6 months, you will simply be required to pay the fine. You can re-enter Colombia with a new visa in the same year (provided it is still under the 180 day in any year rule).

  However, if you overstay by more than 6 months, you will need to pay the fine and leave immediately. If you have overstayed, you will need to visit the Migration office and ask for a ‘salvoconducto’ no more than 15 days before your departure. This is a temporary permit that allows you to stay in the country until your departure date, even though your visa has expired. You will need to present this to the airport staff when you leave.

  To obtain a ‘salvoconducto’ you will need to present the following:

  • Passport
  • Copy of your passport (photo and personal data page)
  • Copy of your most recent Colombia visa stamp
  • Credit/debit card to pay the fine and also for the ‘salvoconducto’

  A ‘salvoconducto’ costs 60,000 pesos (around $19USD) and you will still need to pay the fine which could rise as high as 5 million pesos ($1558USD)! Don’t say you haven’t been warned.

  Visa information for Ecuador:

  Most people travelling to Ecuador will not require a visa, including those from South America, the UK and most of Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. On arrival, you will usually be granted 90 days entry (in a 12-month period). This allows for multiple entries.

  You will be presented with an embarkation/disembarkation form when you enter the country which will be stamped with your entry date. This will need to be kept safe with your passport as it will be required when you exit the country.

  A handful of nationalities will require a visa to enter, including Ethiopia and Kenya. Please check the official Consulate website to see whether you require one.

  For travellers to Ecuador, you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

  Onward travel required: This is a legal requirement so you could be asked to show proof of your return ticket. Officially, you could be asked to prove evidence of sufficient funds, however, this is rarely enforced.

  Please note: It is also an official requirement that travellers to Ecuador hold relevant health insurance to cover their stay.

  Staying longer in Ecuador?

  Renewal of your visa: You are allowed to extend your Ecuadorian visa only once before your current 90 day period is up. The maximum that you can extend for is another 90 days and you can only do this if you pay the accompanying visa extension fee. It is surprisingly challenging to find the up to date cost for extending your Ecuadorian visa. From what we found, it looks like it is currently around $131USD. This was the price in Jan 2019.

  To extend your visa, you must visit the Migration Office with these three things:

  1. A completed application form
  2. A photocopy of your passport
  3. A photocopy of your entrance stamp

  Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: Unlike in other countries, you cannot do visa runs in Ecuador to extend your legal time allowance in the country. The only way to extend your stay is to go through the official channels.

  Overstay penalties: If you overstay your allocated time allowed in Ecuador, you will receive a fine. If you do not pay this penalty, you will be banned from returning to Ecuador for two years and your name will remain on immigration watch lists. Assuming that you pay the fine, you will be allowed to return on an official visa issued by your nearest Ecuadorian Embassy abroad.

  Visa information for Guyana:

  Citizens from North and South America, Western Europe including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not require a visa to enter Guyana.

  If you are from a country which is entitled to visa-free entry, you will usually be granted 30 days on arrival.

  Citizens from Eastern Europe (including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), China, UAE and India will need a visa.

  To obtain a visa you must present the following documents:

  • Completed application form
  • Valid passport
  • 3 recent passport size photos
  • Evidence of sufficient funs

  Tourist visas cost $30USD.

  For all travellers to Guyana, you must have a passport with at least six months validity, from the date that you enter the country.

  For more information on visas in Guyana, check out this website.

  Staying longer in Guyana?

  Renewal of your visa: To extend your visa you will be required to visit the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown.

  Overstay penalties: Unlike some other countries in South America, overstay penalties are very severe in Guyana. As well as being charged a fine of up to G$50,000 ($240USD) you will also face up to one year imprisonment and deportation (at your own expense).

  Visa information for Paraguay:

  Citizens from the UK and most of Europe can enter Paraguay without a visa. Upon arrival, you will be granted a 90-day stay.

  Those travelling who are from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will be required to obtain a visa. Generally, visas will need to be arranged in advance for most nationalities but citizens from the countries listed above can get them at immigration upon arrival. You will be granted up to 90 days within the country.

  To apply for a visa for Paraguay in advance you must provide:

  • A completed application form
  • A passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Return air ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Visa fee: single entry $72USD, multiple entry $110.

  These are the prices for the countries which can get a visa upon arrival:

  Country	Single entry/ Multiple entries
  Australia	$147
  Canada	$164
  New Zealand	$153
  Russia	$175
  USA	$175

  The cost for single/multiple entries is the same for those who are able to arrange visas on arrival.

  To enter Paraguay, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

  Onward travel required: This is a requirement of entering Paraguay. You could also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

  Staying longer in Paraguay?

  Renewal of your visa: Your visa can be extended for an additional 90 days at the National Immigration Office. However, you can only stay for a maximum of 180 days in a one year period.

  Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: It is possible to leave Paraguay and re-enter at one of its many land borders. You will receive another 90-day entry upon arrival provided this will not push you over 180 days in a year period.

  Visa information for Peru:

  Travellers from the USA, Canada, Europe including UK, Australia, New Zealand and all South American countries do not require a visa to enter Peru.

  Citizens from China will be required to get a visa. For the full list of countries which require a visa, see this list.

  The maximum amount of time that you can spend in Peru in any one year is 183 days. Upon entry, you could be granted a 90-day or 183-day visa. If you require the latter, simply ask for this when you arrive at immigration. This will be granted at the discretion of the immigration worker.

  Those who require a visa to enter the country will need to provide the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Accommodation reservation
  • *Proof of sufficient funds (a bank statement displaying a minimum $1255USD)
  • Passport photos
  • Application fee

  *This only applies if you are applying for a visa.

  A tourist visa costs $30USD.

  Travellers to Peru must enter the country with a passport valid for at least six months. It must also have at least two blank pages.

  Onward travel required: This is a legal requirement for travellers entering Peru. Although it is rarely enforced, your airline could ask you for this and refuse you to board if you fail to provide proof.

  Staying longer in Peru?

  Renewal of your visa: Tourists can no longer apply for a visa extension whilst in Peru. Those who have entered on the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM, a form completed and handed over at the border) you will need to exit and re-enter Peru.

  Border Runs or ‘Visa Runs’: If you were given a 90-day entry upon arrival, you should have no problem obtaining a new one if you cross a border. However, if you have already spent the maximum of 183 days in a year, you may be refused entry. However, this seems largely dependent on luck and the disposition of the immigration officer. There is no clear rule here.

  Overstay penalties: If you overstay your Peruvian visa, you will be fined at $1USD per day. It is possible that the fine could be less hassle and actually cheaper than leaving and reentering Peru (although we certainly don’t recommend this)!

  Not all border points accept fine payments so make sure you check this prior to trying to leave the country.

  Visa information for Suriname:

  

  The USA, Canada and most of Europe including the UK, will require a visa to enter the country. Alternatively, you can apply for a tourist card for stays of less than 90 days. It is now possible to apply for an e-visa or e-tourist card before travel, although it is still possible to obtain these at airports.

  Visas and tourist cards are not available at land borders.

  The difference between the two is that visas can be used for multiple entries whereas the tourist card will cover you for single entry only.

  To obtain a tourist card you must:

  • Submit a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • Present a round trip ticket and a trip itinerary

  The Tourist Card Fee (single entry only) costs $40USD or €35.

  Several countries are exempt from visa requirements. For a full list of visa-exempt countries, please see the Suriname Embassy page.

  To enter Suriname, your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months.

  Staying longer in Suriname?

  Overstay penalties: You can receive a one year ban from re-entering the country if you overstay. This will be marked in your passport.

  Visa information for Uruguay:

  Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and those from Europe including the UK and the USA do not require a visa to enter Uruguay.

  If you do not require a visa to enter, you will be granted a stay of up to 90 days.

  Citizens from China and India will require a visa.

  The following documents are required to apply for a visa:

  • Visa application
  • Passport
  • Photograph
  • Round-trip flight itinerary
  • Covering letter which explains the purpose of your visit and itinerary
  • Bank statements covering the last three months. You will need a few thousand US dollars.
  • Copy of credit/debit cards
  • Accommodation reservation
  • Police clearance (could be requested)
  • Travel history (not necessary but appreciated)

  The cost of a visa is $42USD. This fee will only be payable if a visa is granted. An interview is usually required.

  To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is required.

  Onward travel required: This is something that you could be asked for, as well as proof of sufficient funds for your trip. There is information online to suggest that you could also be asked to present documents which show proof of your trip’s purpose e.g. tourism. A hotel reservation or something similar should suffice if called on.

  Staying longer in Uruguay?

  Renewal of your visa: To extend your visa for an additional 90 days you will need to contact the Dirección Nacional de Migración. This extension will come with a fee.

  Visa information for Venezuela:

  

  Canadian, Australian, European and British citizens do not need a visa to enter Venezuela. Citizens of these nationalities can enter the country for 90 days upon arrival with a tourist entry card, provided on aircraft or at borders.

  Please note: Nationals arriving by boat will need to arrange a visa in advance of travel.

  However, those from China and the USA will require a visa for their stay. This must be obtained in advance and costs $30USD. They are multi-entry and are not available on arrival.

  To apply for a Venezuelan visa, you will need to submit the following:

  • Original passport and two copies of the photo and information page
  • Visa application form
  • 2 recent passport photos
  • Proof of travel arrangements (including onward travel)
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Letter of employment – This letter must state that you are in good standing with your current employer. They must also detail the dates of your annual leave (for this trip) and your expected return date. It must also specify your length of employment, salary and position.

  Everyone entering Venezuela must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months with at least one blank page.

  Entry vaccinations required: Travellers who enter Venezuela from certain countries (please contact the Venezuelan Ministry of Health for more information) could be asked to show proof of a yellow fever vaccine upon entry.

  Onward travel required: Proof of onward travel could be asked for and if not shown, this could prevent you from being given a tourist entry card. However, this is not always enforced.

  Staying longer in Venezuela?

  Renewal of your visa: You must extend your visa before your current one expires. To do this, you will need to contact the Immigration service (SAIME) and pay a fee for the extension. You can extend for another 90 days.

  Overstay penalties: If you overstay your given time in Venezuela, you could be fined or even arrested.

  Got more up to date visa information for us? Let us know in our Facebook Community!

  

  Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World

  Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.

  Source https://passport.today/need-passport-fly-us/

  Source https://www.thetravelersbuddy.com/2022/05/17/blank-passport-pages-to-travel/

  Source https://southamericabackpacker.com/visa-guide/

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